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Are all PDFs created equal? NO! There are several different levels of PDF. There are 3 or 4 main levels and each is (or should be) used for different things.
What are the 3 (or 4) basic levels of PDF? (These may have different names, but you’ll see the similarities.)
Screen: Fast loading, low resolution, light, great and wonderful for viewing on your “Screen” or monitor only. Often used as a quick proof that is easily sent via email. Gather around the monitor to look at but don’t print this and pass to the boss for approval, it’s not built for printing and may not work.
Print: Medium level of resolution. Can travel via internet and works alright with a desktop laser or inkjet printer—this is the one to print as a proof for the boss to sign.
Press: High Quality. Built for printing at a Press. If configured correctly, can include the fonts and graphics your press will need to print. The best type of press this works on is a digital press where if there are any RGB graphics that have not been converted to CMYK the on-board converter should take care of it.
Pre-press: Highest Quality. This is a large, complete file containing all the data needed in offset printing including: fonts, CMYK color spectrum, graphics, pictures, bleeds, the kitchen sink, etc.
(The final segment on PDFs in PDF 301!)
